Okay, I’m not completely a slacker. But I’ve been slow in updating you on all that’s been going on. That’s partly because I’ve been writing a Diving Universe novel that kicked my butt all winter. I finished draft one yesterday.

Yes, I said Diving Universe. I started out writing a novella to explain something to myself, and ended up with at least 100,000 words. (That’s nowhere near a novella.) Except for one tiny sequence for the fans, there is nothing in this book that ties to Boss or Coop or the rest of them. I start that stuff as soon as I finish assembling this book, because I’ve finally explained to myself that something, which I have to be quite mysterious about.

Anyway, while I was lost in my own brain (it’s dark in there! And scary!), a lot happened. Some of which I mentioned. But let me catch you up on the rest of it.

Second, a long overdue notice. Mark Teppo of Resurrection House asked me to write the introduction to a short story collection of Jack Cady’s. Mark and the Cady estate are bringing back all of Jack’s short fiction. The volume that I wrote the introduction for, Fathoms, includes Jack’s most famous novella, “The Night We Buried Road Dog,” which I bought when I was editor of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. If you’ve never read “Road Dog” (as we used to call it), then you’re in for a treat. Find this volume and read it. You’ll see why Jack’s work will continue to live after him.

Speaking of reprints, my story “Earth Day,” just appeared in a delightful collection edited by Allyson Longueira. The Fiction River Presents line reprints Fiction River stories in a new and exciting way. Which makes the title of the second volume quite appropriate—The Unexpected. Two of my very favorite Fiction River stories appear in this volume as well, “Jelly’s Heroes” by Louisa Swann, and “Case Cracked” by Joe Cron. The other stories are a great deal of fun, but if you haven’t read those two, then you haven’t been reading Fiction River.

Want a new story? Then pick up a copy of Galactic Games, edited by Bryan Thomas Schmidt. The anthology includes all kinds of science fiction sports stories by such luminaries as George R.R. Martin, Mercedes Lackey, and Dean Wesley Smith. And me. I have no idea where “Petra and the Blue Goo” came from. I only know that I had a blast writing it. The anthology will hit print on June 7, but you can preorder now—and you only have to wait a week!

Yeah, I’m working ahead, because, y’know. Might start a new butt-kicker of a novel next week. 🙂

Finally, those of you who aren’t reading my writers business blog might have missed this. I curated a writing bundle for Storybundle. I’m really proud of this one. It includes the classic writing book from Lawrence Block, as well as a whole bunch of business books. You’ll find wisdom from Gerald M. Weinberg, Mindy Klasky, Leah Cutter, Dean Wesley Smith, Joanna Penn, Tonya D. Price, and Cat Rambo. Oh, and my book How To Negotiate Anything. Plus, you can give money to the Pearl Foundation, a charity that specializes in scholarships for non-traditional students. You can get all the books in the bundle for as little as $15, which is a small price to pay for all that wisdom. Head on over now.

I’m thrilled to see Jack Cady’s fiction being re-issued. About 20 years ago I fell madly in love with The Off Season and went around flogging it to all sort of people…none of whom appreciated it the way I did, sadly. But I could never find any more of his fiction. I’m looking forward to revisiting his work!

Jack Cady was one of my professors at PLU my senior year. We were lucky to have him. I remember reading Road Dog, thrilled that this was an author I had met (WOW!) and I think I purchased a Pulphouse simply because his name was in the TOC.

I remember him and his dog walking around campus that year–he was an icon then and am pleased that you’re working with his estate so that others can find his work-

Mission Critical

Alternate Peace

Find out what happens if Andrew Johnson got impeached and convicted. And lots of other cool what-ifs. Get yours now!

Year’s Best Military & Adventure SF

I’m happy to report my story, “Once On The Blue Moon,” appears in The Best Military & Adventure SF, Volume 5. Find out more here.

The First New Grayson Novel in Years

What happens when Rapunzel meets the man of her dreams while trying to rescue…the man of her dreams. Get your copy here.

The Charming Trilogy Vol 2

Get the Author Preferred Editions of Wickedly Charming, Charming Blue, and the brand-new Hidden Charm as well as author essays and the related short story, “Standing Up For Grace,” in one large ebook. Click here to get your copy.

Daughters of Zeus Trilogy

The Fates Trilogy With Extras!

All three books of the Fates Trilogy in one place! Get Simply Irresistible, Absolutely Captivated, and Totally Spellbound as well as five extra essays in this ebook omnibus. For more information, click here.

The Charming Trilogy Vol 1

The author-preferred editions of Utterly Charming, Thoroughly Kissed and Completely SmittenFind out more here in one volume with over 40,000 words of bonus essays and fiction. .